City Mills Pond Dam

MILL RIVER· Norfolk, Massachusetts· Built 1935· Earth· 30 ft tall
Significant Hazard Fire Protection Stock Or Small Fish Pond Local Government

Key Takeaway

City Mills Pond Dam is classified as significant hazard in Massachusetts. It was completed in 1935 and is 91 years old. Its primary use is fire protection. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 30 ft (taller than 86.6% in MA)
Dam Length150 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage126 acre-ft
Normal Storage66 acre-ft
Surface Area10 acres
Drainage Area11 sq mi
Year Completed1935 (91 years old)
NID IDMA00818

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: May 11, 2017
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION

Ownership

TOWN OF NORFOLK, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of City Mills Pond Dam?

City Mills Pond Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates City Mills Pond Dam?

City Mills Pond Dam is owned by TOWN OF NORFOLK, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was City Mills Pond Dam built?

City Mills Pond Dam was completed in 1935, making it 91 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of City Mills Pond Dam?

City Mills Pond Dam serves the following purposes: Fire Protection, Stock, Or Small Fish Pond. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is City Mills Pond Dam?

City Mills Pond Dam has a dam height of 30 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was City Mills Pond Dam last inspected?

City Mills Pond Dam was last inspected on May 11, 2017. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.